Experiencing Sudden WXP Shutdowns Lately

[sleddriver]

Well, the 5150 has been on for 4 hours now, no sudden shutdowns! The part is avail from Dell for $16. The current part # for the front-panel board is X8543. A search revealed numerous hits. I just had no idea to search for this. Many have replaced PS's, MB's, and still have problems without realizing that it could be this board causing amber lights to flash. Geesh, what a mess.

Sure hopes this helps someone else!

 

[OVERKILL]

fantastic to hear! Keep us posted. Are you going to order a replacement after it has been OK for a few days?

 

[sleddriver]

I found another post: http://www.ihatedell.net/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=15071. Indicated that a faulty elec. cap on the +5 rail was at fault. Interesting... BTW, this site never showed up in my searches...(have they been flagged for the bottom of the search hits??)

Warmed up the iron and replaced all three caps with spares from my scratch box. shutdown, hooked up the front-panel board again, booted, started typing a msg here.....BANG! Shutdown within 5 min. So no joy on recapping this little @#$%^! board. What a PITA!

Machine works fine without it. Unfortunately, I'll lose some front panel USB ports I frequent. Local dell parts house doesn't even stock these. Looks like I'll be ordering one from dell.

This is a very common problem once you know to search on "Dell X8543". This little board has caused A LOT of problems for Dell desktop owners.

 

[OVERKILL]

Personally, I'd find which lead triggers the power and just remove it from the connector. Then maybe hook up a "regular" power button and stick it somewhere.

 

[sleddriver]

I got lucky today! Found the same board for $5 at a 'fuser recycling center and a spare drive caddy for $1. Not bad. Got it all installed and here I am typing!

What did I used to do with all my free time before confusers? And Dell confusers in particular? Work? Ha, ha, ha....